Health Care: Right or Privilege

Abstract

In this research we try to discover the perception of “Health Care: Right or Privilege” in a holistic perspective. The study focuses on “Heath Care System” and the perspective of whether is a human right or a privilege”. The study also examines several characteristics of “Health Care”. Finally the study concludes whether health care system should be a right or a privilege and why.

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Discussion1

Conclusion7

Health Care: Right or Privilege

Introduction

The health per capita expenditure of United States is double as compared to other nations such England, Canada and Germany. In spite of being considered a basic human right, health is considered a privilege in the United States. Healthcare is something which should be a basic right for any human being and having an affordable and quality healthcare system is a human right not a privilege. The debate over whether health care is a privilege or right is the most highlighted in today's world. The lack of an equal health care system for every one is the major reason for the arguments on whether health care is a privilege or a right? Generally it can be said that health care is a basic right of every human being around the world and everyone should have access to equal health care facilities. For several years, United States had an ethically egoist stance, in which something was correct and just only if it helped politicians to achieve their preferred objectives. Using the theory of utilitarianism, which aims to provide a direction which maximizes the overall happiness for the greatest number, should be embraced by the nation. Having equal health care facilities means that there would more preventive care and hence, less cost will be incurred due to serious diseases. It can further aid in lowering the use of drug and crime rate.

Discussion

The Universal declaration of human rights recognizes health care an absolute human right. In this way a state is obliged to respect, protect and provide the basic rights of health to all the citizens and ensure access to quality health facilities all around the country. United States is a member nation of the WHO (World Health Organization) which runs under the supervision of United Nations. The world health organization emphasizes on the availability of health care to every human being around the globe. The basic principle of World health organization is to provide quality standard of health to every human being without any discrimination of race, religion or social condition (WHO, 2006). It can be easily understood by this principle of World health organization that Health care is an essential need and a human right not a privilege. United States is the only nation of among the industrialized world with no universal access to medical services (Light, 2002). As one of the most powerful nations of the world, it is a shame that so many people are suffering from insufficient access to health care (Rashford, 2007). Research conducted on this issue reveals that if equal access is ...